Smoked Queso

Introduction

If you’re looking for the ultimate dip to impress your guests at your next gathering, Smoked Queso is the way to go! This rich, creamy, and smoky cheese dip has just the right balance of flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or as a topping for your favorite tacos, Smoked Queso will add a delicious, smoky twist to your spread. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few key ingredients. You’ll be the hero of the party when you show up with this irresistible dip!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re probably wondering what makes this Smoked Queso stand out from all the other dips. Well, here are just a few reasons:

• Smoky Flavor: The smoked cheese and subtle smoky heat from the grill make this queso stand out with a unique flavor.
• Super Creamy: Velvety cheese, combined with the richness of cream cheese, gives this dip the perfect creamy texture.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference by playing with the types of peppers you use.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a football game, or a family dinner, Smoked Queso is a crowd-pleaser.
• Minimal Prep: With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll spend more time enjoying the party than cooking in the kitchen.
• Party-Sized: This recipe is made to share—so no one goes hungry!
• Versatile: Use this dip as a topping for nachos, tacos, or even grilled meats for added flavor.
• Easy Cleanup: You won’t have a huge mess to clean up afterward since everything cooks in one skillet or pan.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 10g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Smoked Queso:

For the Queso:

• 1 pound smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, diced (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips
• Fresh vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots)
• Soft tortillas (for dipping or wrapping)
• Chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Smoked Cheddar Cheese: The key ingredient for that deep, smoky flavor that takes this queso to the next level. If you can’t find smoked cheddar, any smoked cheese will work, or you can add a smoked salt to boost the flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the dip and helps give it that rich texture you love.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds flavor and a bit of tang to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Jalapeños: For the perfect amount of heat. Adjust the number depending on how spicy you like your queso.
• Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin bring out the smoky flavors, and the garlic and onion enhance the dip’s savory base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Smoked Queso:

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium-low heat (around 250°F). If you’re using a smoker, aim for the same temperature.
2. Prepare the Veggies: Dice the onion and jalapeños, and mince the garlic. Drain the diced tomatoes with green chilies and set everything aside.
3. Shred the Cheese: Shred the smoked cheddar cheese and set it aside with the cream cheese.

Cook the Base

1. Cook the Veggies: In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, jalapeños, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt, making sure to mix it into the sautéed veggies.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, letting the spices bloom in the hot oil.

Add the Cheeses and Liquids

1. Add the Smoked Cheddar: Slowly add the shredded smoked cheddar cheese, stirring until it begins to melt into the mixture.
2. Pour in the Liquids: Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, mixing well. Let the dip simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip has thickened.

Smoke the Queso

1. Transfer to the Grill: Carefully transfer the skillet with the queso to your preheated grill or smoker. Cover the grill and let the queso smoke for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The smoky flavor will intensify, making the dip even more flavorful.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the dip becomes too thick, add more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. The dip should be smooth and creamy, not too runny.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to serve your Smoked Queso:

1. Classic Tortilla Chips: Serve with a big bowl of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
2. Veggie Dippers: For a healthier option, offer an assortment of fresh vegetables, like carrots, cucumber slices, and bell peppers.
3. As a Taco Topping: Use this smoky queso as a topping for tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
4. With Nachos: Pour the Smoked Queso over a plate of nachos for an indulgent treat.
5. In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a loaf of sourdough bread and fill it with the queso for a fun, edible serving bowl.

Additional Tips

Maximize your Smoked Queso experience with these handy tips:

1. Adjust the Heat: If you like your queso spicier, add more jalapeños, or even a serrano pepper. For a milder version, skip the jalapeños and use bell peppers instead.
2. Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different smoked cheeses, like gouda or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
3. Check the Consistency: If your queso starts to thicken too much while smoking, simply add a little more milk or cream to keep it creamy.
4. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic really boosts the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too.
5. Make Ahead: Prepare the queso up to the point of smoking, then refrigerate. On the day of your event, smoke it for that perfect flavor.

Recipe Variations

Try out these fun variations to mix things up:

• Add Meat: Mix in cooked ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken for a heartier dip.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to kick up the heat.
• Different Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an added smoky flavor.
• Vegan Queso: Substitute the cream cheese with cashew cream and use plant-based cheeses to make a vegan version of this dip.
• Cheese Combo: Blend different smoked cheeses for more complex flavors, such as smoked gouda or mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Freezing and Storage

Keep your Smoked Queso fresh for later with these storage tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the queso gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze Smoked Queso for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

These tools will make preparing your Smoked Queso even easier:

• Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Perfect for cooking and smoking the queso.
• Grill or Smoker: To infuse that delicious smoky flavor.
• Spatula: For stirring and mixing the dip.
• Grater: For shredding the cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for your ingredients.

faq section

Got questions about making Smoked Queso? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions people have when making this smoky dip. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage tips, or how to adjust the heat level, you’ll find the answers here to make sure your queso turns out perfectly every time. Check out these FAQs to get even more tips for making your Smoked Queso experience even better:

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?
  Yes, you can! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the dip a few hours ahead and keep it warm in a slow cooker. If you need to store it, let it cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to bring back the creamy texture.
• What if I don’t have a smoker or grill?
  If you don’t have a smoker or grill, no worries! You can still make this dip in the oven. Simply bake the cheese mixture in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until everything is melted and bubbly. For a smoky flavor, you could also use a smoked cheese or liquid smoke as a substitute.
• How can I adjust the spice level?
  To make the dip milder, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them entirely. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more jalapeños or even some hot sauce. Adjust to your personal heat preference!

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Conclusion

Your next party just got a whole lot more delicious with this Smoked Queso recipe. Whether you’re hosting a game day, celebrating with friends, or just craving something cheesy and smoky, this dip will quickly become a crowd favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and make your next gathering unforgettable with this creamy, smoky delight!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!